Rising demand for User Experience Designers: Candidates play catch up

User Experience Design has traditionally been seen as something
most Web Designers do. It’s an essential
aspect of designing any site, yet only 1% of our web designers specialise in the
area despite a rise in demand for such candidates. With businesses continuing
to increase their revenues through digital, User Interface is becoming more vital
than ever. So why the shortfall?

Why is it so important?

Initially websites were thrown together to look pretty with not as
much consideration taken for the user. However, it’s since become widely
recognised just how essential the user experience is in terms of its commercial
impact. The slightest change from the colour of a button down to the font can
have a knock on effect upon sales and revenue, particularly in the online
retail sphere.

We’ve seen a considerable rise in the number of requests for web
designers specialising in User Experience or Interface, yet whilst many
designers have experience of it, few are specialists.

Freelance UI designer
Anita Chandra offers some insight as to why it is becoming so important
“Basically I think it’s the case that advancements in technology such as things
like iPhone apps have provoked people to realise that there is more branding
space out there-not just about websites anymore so user experience is becoming
increasingly important for the success of a product.”

So what makes a specialist?

A pure User Experience Designer thinks about the psychology of the
user, how designing simple things such as buttons in different sizes, colours
and placement of copy and images will effect and improve the way the user, uses
the site and how quickly it will lead to a purchase.

It’s now also about creating wire frames and
planning before a site build, it’s about continuous monitoring of how users are
navigating the site, what works, what doesn't and then making changes to
improve the experience for the user. Anita goes on to explain “You need
to be aware of what motivates your target audience, research their previous
behavioural patterns and of course get to grips with the tools used for things
like tracking and how to map sites.”

Why aren’t people ready?

Digital is still such a young and constantly evolving industry
that it’s almost impossible to stay on top, many organisations are only just
starting to develop their online presence therefore the importance of the user
experience is still a relatively new notion. However, as the demand for user
interface candidates increases so will candidate skill sets.

What can you do to skill up?

If you’re new to the industry then there are courses available to
study in subjects such as human interaction or psychology and many come with a
design course attached. Or if you’re already
an established web designer and don’t fancy going back to the school find
out if your company has a User Interface team and try to get involved. Better
still, make suggestions to your managers and try to integrate it into your role
and request training.

Shannon Lee is a recruiter for Major Players. He specialises in filling in-house design jobs with the best design talent. Major Players are the UK's No.1 creative recruiter. We specialise in getting the best jobs for the best people in all areas of the creative industries. Agency or In-house, Freelance or Permanent, we cover the most sought after roles on the market.